Mac OS X vs. Mac OS X Server.
Mac OS X vs. Mac OS X Server.
Introduction: Difference and Relationship between Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server.
Mac OS X is a client side operating system built by Apple Inc. to run on their Macintosh computers. Mac OS X presents a significant change in the architecture of previous Macintosh operating systems. OS X encompasses the Macintosh tradition of producing user-friendly systems and incorporates a series of new proprietary and standard industry technologies. Mac OS X is founded on the concept of modern core operating systems and benefits such as preemptive multitasking and protected memory to the Macintosh platform. Mac OS X has an appealing user interface and sharp computer graphics all developed using graphics technologies designed specifically for Mac OS X by Apple Inc. Despite the aesthetics, Mac OS X has a sophisticated core and provides complex operating system functions such as multiple application environments, multitasking, and support for various network protocols and services making it a suitable platform for accessing the internet. Mac OS X also offers high levels of operating system interoperability due to its support for multiple volume formats, and its conformity to both established and evolving IT standards (Inside Mac OS X: System Overview, 2002).
The primary functional components of Mac OS X include a user interface design known as Aqua and a sophisticated graphics and windowing system implemented by Quartz with support for OpenGL and QuickTime. Mac OS X also has several application environments such as Java, Cocoa, Carbon, Classic and a UNIX based operating system core (Inside Mac OS X: System Overview, 2002).
Mac OS X server is an optional software add-on to the Mac OS X client operating system that converts a Mac client into a server machine. The current version of OS X Server is available on Apple’s Mac App Store and costs about £14. There are no major changes after upgrading to OS X Server rather than a single additional icon on the Launchpad and Applications list that allows one configure the server (Thomas, 2014).
While there is no significant change in the system after upgrading to Mac OS X Server, functionality is greatly affected. In the native OS X client system, users can share files and documents across Mac clients using an integrated file server present within the OS X client. Access can also be shared via Apple Filing Protocol in Mac clients and Server Message Block (SMB), Common Internet File System (CIFS) or Samba for Windows and Mac clients. In fact, for ten or less Mac clients, there is no need for an OS X Server. However, when Mac OS X Server is used, the number of clients that can be served is unlimited as long as the services provided are within the limits of available processor time, storage and network bandwidth.
The Mac OS X Server thus allows a user to upgrade from normal Mac OS X client operation to server configuration which gives one the ability to establish, configure, troubleshoot, backup and maintain server components such as web services, Open Directory, iChat Server and DNS and other services as per specific requirements (Kessler, 2011).
Mac OS X has been deemed as a usable and accessible operating system since it provides various assistive technologies that help disabled persons to enjoy technology and the simplicity offered by OS X. Some of these features include advanced screen reader, a Simple Finder tool and various literacy tools such as dictionary, text-to-speech, word completion for those with impaired motor skills during typing, dictation and summarizing features. All these assistive technologies, coupled with an intuitive human user interface help students with cognitive, physical and learning disabilities to stay organized, focused and acquire literacy in a manner that befits their unique abilities. In this way, Mac OS X can be said to impact the way education is delivered to disabled persons. Other impacts include improved usability of systems, streamlining of business processes by use of computer systems based on Mac OS X and OS X Server as well as a change in how people communicate and interact via the internet and social media through features such as Face Time and Photo Booth (Apple.com, 2014).
Mac OS X and the future:
The future of computing is pegged on mobile computing, and future mobile devices are expected to be ubiquitous, interoperable and dominant. Mac OS X runs on Mac made by Apple Computers Inc., which also manufactures iPhones, iPads and iPods all running on Apple iOS that is the operating system for mobile devices by Apple. Mac OS X is fully compatible with these mobile devices allowing for synchronization between several devices. The OS X user experience is also consistent, and users will often purchase a series of Apple devices due to the interoperability. Apple's market is thus not fragmented which means that OS X will continue to grow as Apple continues to deploy new technologies swiftly. In this case, OS X will continue to gain as a computer operating system due to its consistency, user friendliness, and the inherent advantages provided by sister mobile operating system, iOS.
After installation of OS X.
After installing any version of OS X or upgrading one can check out the new features, check if the various input/output devices and wireless radios work as required. Other options include customizing interfaces, system configurations, setting up security preferences and updating applications to ensure that the system is up-to-date.
OS X Yosemite:
The latest version of Mac OS X is Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite which available for download at the Mac App Store for all Mac users at no extra costs. The requirements of the new system, include 2GB RAM and 8GB of secondary storage. Another prerequisite is the Snow Leopard operating system if the installation is an upgrade. The operating system also has a redesigned interface with new side bars, menu bars, and other window elements which have taken on translucent designs. Macs running on OS X Yosemite are also interoperable with iOS devices such as iPhones and tasks can be begun on one device and completed on the next.
After comparing OS X and OS X Server, the best operating system to use is merely a matter of requirements. Mac OS X client operating system provides basic computing functions for a single home users but if the purpose is for enterprise network administration or management of a small Local Area Networks, then the recommended operating system is Mac OS X Server since it provides network management and administration services such as web services, filing services, user account management and other server side functions.
References:
Apple,. (2014). Apple – OS X – What’s New - All Features. Retrieved 13 December 2014, from https://www.apple.com/osx/all-features/
Apple.com,. (2014). Apple - Education - Special Education - OS X. Retrieved 13 December 2014, from https://www.apple.com/education/special-education/osx/
Inside Mac OS X: System Overview. (2002) (1st Ed.). Cupertino, CA. Retrieved from http://www.macpublic.ldc.lu.se/installation/Mac%20OS%20X%2010.2/System_Overview%2006_02.pdf
Kessler, T. (2011). Considering OS X Server for home users - CNET. CNET. Retrieved 13 December 2014, from http://www.cnet.com/news/considering-os-x-server-for-home-users/
Thomas, K. (2014). Apple's £13.99 OS X Server for Yosemite reviewed. Macworld UK. Retrieved 13 December 2014, from http://www.macworld.co.uk/review/utilities/os-x-server-review-3588390/
